Hadith #18

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

خَذَلُوا الْحَقَّ، وَلَمْ يَنْصُرُوا الْبَاطِلَ۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as:

They abandoned right but did not support wrong.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (khaḏalū) "خَذَلُوا" in the Hadith refers to the act of abandoning or forsaking. It signifies a deliberate act of neglecting or turning away from something. In this context, it refers to the abandonment of truth or righteousness. The word (al-ḥaqq) "الْحَقَّ" in the Hadith means truth, which encompasses all that is in accordance with the divine guidance and the teachings of Islam.

On the other hand, the word (lam yansurū) "لَمْ يَنْصُرُوا" in the Hadith means not supporting or assisting. It implies the lack of active participation or aid in promoting what is right and just. The word (al-bāṭil) "الْبَاطِلَ" in the Hadith refers to falsehood or wrong, which encompasses all that contradicts the divine guidance and the teachings of Islam.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran, which is the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of upholding truth and justice in numerous verses.

In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah says: (Quran 22:77)

O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good - that you may succeed.

This verse highlights the importance of performing acts of worship and doing good deeds, which are rooted in truth and righteousness. By abandoning truth, one fails to fulfill this fundamental aspect of worship.

In Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah states: (Quran 5:8)

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.

This verse emphasizes the obligation of Muslims to stand firmly for justice and not to be swayed by personal biases or prejudices. By failing to support what is right, one falls short of fulfilling this divine command.

The consequences of abandoning truth and failing to support what is right are grave. It leads to the erosion of moral values, societal corruption, and the spread of falsehood. When individuals neglect their duty to uphold truth and justice, they contribute to the deterioration of the overall moral fabric of society.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively promote and defend the truth. It encourages us to be proactive in standing up against falsehood and injustice. By doing so, we contribute to the betterment of society and the establishment of a just and equitable world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith of the importance of aligning our actions with the principles of truth and justice. He urges us to be vigilant in upholding righteousness and to actively support what is right.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

They abandoned right but did not support wrong

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in upholding truth and justice. It calls upon us to actively support what is right and to reject falsehood. By doing so, we contribute to the betterment of ourselves, our communities, and society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to stand up for truth and justice.